Imaging apparatus

ABSTRACT

An imaging apparatus includes: an image-forming element; an optical element including a light-transmitting portion disposed so as to face an image surface of the image-forming element; a vibration-application member arranged at a position other than a position of the light-transmitting portion of the optical element, for vibrating a surface of the optical element and inside of the optical element; and a vibration-absorption member arranged at a position opposed to the vibration-application member, for absorbing a part of vibration of the optical element in a predetermined cycle, wherein when a wavelength of vibration generated in the optical element by vibration of the vibration-application member is defined as λ, and an odd number as k, the vibration-application member and the vibration-absorption member are arranged separately from each other at positions on the optical element such that a distance between centers of the members is expressed by k×λ/4.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.12/493,423 filed on Jun. 29, 2009 and claims the benefit of JapaneseApplications No. 2008-264504 filed in Japan on Oct. 10, 2008 and2009-232779 filed in Japan on Oct. 6, 2009, the entire contents of whichare incorporated herein by their reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, and moreparticularly to an imaging apparatus including an image forming element,for example, an imaging apparatus such as an image projection apparatuswhich is provided with an image pickup apparatus including an imagepickup device for obtaining an image signal corresponding to lightirradiated on an photoelectric conversion surface of the image pickupdevice itself and a display element for displaying an image to beprojected on a screen, and also relates to a structure for vibrating anoptical element arranged in front of an image forming element in such animaging apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

In recent years, image qualities have been greatly improved in imagingapparatuses using an image forming element, such as image projectingapparatuses which include an image pickup apparatus using an imagepickup device and a display element such as a liquid crystal. Therefore,such a serious problem occurs that dust adheres to a surface of an imageforming element such as image pickup device and a display element, or toa surface of a transparent member (optical element) located in front ofthe image forming element and the dust causes a shadow on an image to begenerated.

For example, a digital single-lens reflex camera with an interchangeablelens has a photographing optical system which is attachable anddetachable to and from a camera main body. A user can change thephotographing optical systems by arbitrarily attaching and detaching adesired photographing optical system to and from the camera main bodywhen the user desires, which enables selective use of variousphotographing optical systems in a single camera main body. In thesingle-lens reflex camera, when the photographing optical system isdetached from the camera main body, dust suspended in an ambientenvironment where the camera is placed invades the camera main body.There is another possibility that dirt and the like are generated duringoperation of various mechanisms arranged in the camera main body, suchas a shutter and diaphragm mechanism that mechanically operates, so thatthere is concern about an influence caused by the dirt.

As is known, in conventional digital single-lens reflex cameras, inorder to restrain adherence of dust and the like to a photoelectricconversion surface of an image pickup device, a dust-proof memberconfigured of an optical element is arranged in front of thephotoelectric conversion surface of the image pickup device. In suchcameras, the space between the photoelectric conversion surface of theimage pickup device and the dust-proof member is sealed and a standingwave having a predetermined amplitude is applied to the dust-proofmember using vibration-applying means, thereby removing dust and thelike adhered on the outer surface side of the dust-proof member.

An image pickup apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent ApplicationLaid-Open Publication No. 2007-282101 includes on one end portion of adust-proof member a first comb-shaped electrode, and on the other end ofthe dust-proof member a second comb-shaped electrode and avibration-absorbing member. A surface acoustic wave is generated byapplying alternate current to the first comb-shaped electrode and thegenerated surface acoustic wave is made to travel to the secondcomb-shaped electrode and the vibration-absorbing member. In the imagepickup apparatus, the second comb-shaped electrode and thevibration-absorbing member are provided to absorb the surface acousticwave and restrain the occurrence of a reflected wave of the surfaceacoustic wave, thereby preventing the surface acoustic wave traveled bythe reflected wave from becoming a standing wave.

Furthermore, an optical filter, which is applied to an image formingapparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open PublicationNo. 2007-218957, is arranged on a surface of an optical member andincludes a base substrate configured of a piezoelectric member, acomb-shaped electrode provided on an end portion of the base substrate,a power supply that applies voltage to the electrode, and avibration-absorbing member. By applying voltage to the electrode, asurface acoustic wave is generated on a surface of the base substrateand reflected wave is absorbed by the vibration-absorbing member.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An imaging apparatus of the present invention includes: an image formingelement having an image surface on which an optical image is generated;an optical element including a light-transmitting portion through whicha subject light passes, the light-transmitting portion being disposed soas to face an image surface of the image forming element with apredetermined distance; a vibration member for vibration applicationarranged at a position which is other than a position where thelight-transmitting portion of the optical element is arranged, thevibration member for vibration application vibrating not only a surfaceof the optical element but also inside of the optical element; and avibration member for vibration absorption arranged at a position whichis other than the position where the light-transmitting portion of theoptical element is arranged and which is opposed to the vibration memberfor vibration application, the vibration member for vibration absorptionabsorbing a part of vibration of the optical element in a predeterminedcycle, wherein when a wavelength of vibration generated in the opticalelement by vibration of the vibration member for vibration applicationis defined as λ, and an odd number as k, the vibration member forvibration application and the vibration member for vibration absorptionare arranged separately from each other at positions on the surface ofthe optical element such that a distance between centers of the membersis expressed by k×λ/4.

Advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from thefollowing detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block configurational diagram schematically and mainlyshowing an electric configuration of a digital camera which is animaging apparatus (a digital single-lens reflex camera) according to afirst embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a main part of animage pickup unit in the camera in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing a main part of a dust-proof mechanism inthe camera in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the main part of the dust-proofmechanism in the camera in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a front view showing vibration of a dust-proof filter in thecamera in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line [6]-[6] of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line [7]-[7] of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a concept view showing the vibration of the dust-proof filterin the camera in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a view showing an electric equivalent circuit of apiezoelectric device for vibration absorption of the dust-proof filterin the camera in FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram showing a controlling circuit including adust-proof filter controlling circuit in the camera in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11A is a time chart of a signal 1 in the dust-proof filtercontrolling circuit in the camera in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11B is a time chart of a signal 2 in the dust-proof filtercontrolling circuit in the camera in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11C is a time chart of a signal 3 in the dust-proof filtercontrolling circuit in the camera in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11D is a time chart of a signal 4 in the dust-proof filtercontrolling circuit in the camera in FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a photographing sequence of the controllingcircuit in the camera in FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of non-audible vibration-applying operation inthe dust-proof filter control as a subroutine invoked in thephotographing sequence in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of display operation in the dust-proof filtercontrol as a subroutine invoked in the photographing sequence in FIG.12.

FIG. 15 is a view showing an output signal of the dust-proof filtercontrolling circuit in the camera in FIG. 1.

FIG. 16 is a front view showing vibration of a dust-proof filter of adigital camera according to a second embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line [17]-[17] of FIG.16.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line [18]-[18] of FIG.16.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of non-audible vibration-applying operation in adust-proof filter controlling circuit in a digital camera according to athird embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a dust-proof filter including adust-proof filter controlling circuit in a digital camera according to afourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a view showing an electric equivalent circuit of apiezoelectric device for vibration absorption of the dust-proof filterin the digital camera in FIG. 20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter embodiments of the present invention will be described withreference to the drawings by taking a digital camera which is an imagingapparatus as an example.

A specifically exemplified digital camera of the present inventionincludes a dust-image prevention function of an image pickup device unitthat acquires an image signal by photoelectric conversion. Here,description will be made, as one example, on an improvement technologyrelated to a dust-image prevention of a digital camera. As a firstembodiment, description will be made particularly regarding a digitalsingle-lens reflex camera with interchangeable lens (hereinafterreferred to as a camera) which is a digital camera, with reference toFIGS. 1, 2, and 3.

FIG. 1 is a configurational view mainly showing an electric system ofthe camera according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a verticalcross-sectional view showing an image pickup unit including a dust-proofmechanism of a camera according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is afront view showing a state where the dust-proof filter of the imagepickup unit is detached, viewed from a photographing lens side.

First, description will be made on a system configuration of the cameraaccording to the present embodiment with reference to FIG. 1. The cameraaccording to the present embodiment has a system configured of a bodyunit 100 as a camera main body, and a lens unit 10 as an interchangeablelens which is one of accessory apparatuses.

Note that, in the description below, an optical axis of a photographinglens 1 (FIG. 1) of the lens unit 10 in a state where the lens unit 10 ismounted to the body unit 100 is defined as an optical axis O, adirection parallel to the optical axis O as a Z direction, a subjectside as front, and an image forming side as rear. In addition, in anormal photographing state where the camera is held such that the Zdirection is horizontal, among the directions perpendicular to the Zdirection, the vertical direction is defined as a Y direction (up/downdirection) and the left/right direction as an X direction.

The lens unit 10 is attachable and detachable to and from the body unit100 through a lens mount, not shown, provided on the front face of thebody unit 100. The lens unit 10 is controlled by a lens controllingmicrocomputer (hereinafter referred to as Lμcom) 5 included in the lensunit itself. The body unit 100 is controlled by a body controllingmicrocomputer (hereinafter referred to as Bμcom) 50. When the lens unit10 is mounted to the body unit 100, the Lμcom 5 and the Bμcom 50 areelectrically connected, through a communication connector 6, so as to becommunicatable with each other. The Lμcom 5 and the Bμcom 50cooperatively operate as a camera system in which the Lμcom 5 issubordinated to the Bμcom 50.

The lens unit 10 includes a photographing lens 1 and a diaphragm 3, asshown in FIG. 1. The photographing lens 1 is advanceably/retractablysupported by a lens frame 1 a and driven by a DC motor, not shown,provided in the lens driving mechanism 2. The diaphragm 3 is driven by astepping motor, not shown, provided in a diaphragm driving mechanism 4.The Lμcom 5 controls the motors based on commands from the Bμcom 50.

In the body unit 100, the components described below are disposed asshown in FIG. 1. For example, the body unit 100 includes, as an opticalsystem, a screen 12 a, a pentaprism 12, a quick return mirror 11, aneyepiece 13, and a sub-mirror 11 a which are single-lens reflexcomponents, and a focal-plane shutter 15 on the photographing opticalaxis O, an AF sensor unit 16 for detecting the amount of defocus basedon the reflected luminous flux from the sub-mirror 11 a, and astroboscope 301 arranged on the upper portion of the pentaprism 12.

In addition, the body unit 100 includes an AF sensor driving circuit 17that drives and controls the AF sensor unit 16, a minor driving circuit18 that drives and controls the quick return mirror 11, a shuttercharging mechanism 19 that charges springs for driving a front curtainand a rear curtain of the shutter 15, a shutter controlling circuit 20that controls the movement of the front curtain and the rear curtain,and a photometer circuit 21 that carries out a photometric processingbased on the luminous flux from the pentaprism 12 detected by aphotometric sensor 21 a.

An image pickup unit 30 for photoelectrically converting a subject imageobtained from the subject luminous flux passed through theabove-described optical system is provided on the optical axis O. Theimage pickup unit 30 is configured as an integral unit including a CCD31 as an image pickup device which is an image forming element, anoptical low pass filter (LPF) 32 disposed in front of the CCD 31, and adust-proof filter 33 as a dust-proof member formed of a transparentglass plate (optical element), at least a transparent portion of whichhas a refractivity different from that of atmosphere. On a back face ofa periphery of the dust-proof filter 33 are mounted a piezoelectricdevice (piezoelectric body) for vibration application 34 a as avibration member for vibration application and a piezoelectric device(piezoelectric body) for vibration absorption 34 b as a vibration memberfor vibration absorption.

The piezoelectric devices 34 a and the piezoelectric devices 34 binclude two electrodes (S34 a 1, G34 a 2, S34 b 1, G34 b 2; see FIG. 4),respectively. The piezoelectric device 34 a, which is one of the twopiezoelectric devices 34 a, 34 b, is vibrated at a predeterminedfrequency by the dust-proof filter controlling circuit 48 and a part ofvibration energy is absorbed by the piezoelectric device 34 b, which isthe other one of the two piezoelectric devices 34 a, 34 b, to generatepredetermined vibration in the dust-proof filter 33, thereby enablingdust adhered to the filter surface to be removed. In addition, ananti-vibration unit for camera-shake correction is attached to the imagepickup unit 30.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, the camera system in the cameraaccording to the present embodiment includes a CCD interface circuit 23connected to the CCD 31, a liquid crystal monitor 24, and an imageprocessing controller 28 that performs image processing using an SDRAM25 and a FLASH ROM 26 serving as a storage region, which can provide anelectronic image pickup function as well as electronic recording anddisplaying function. In this embodiment, a recording medium 27 is anexternal recording medium, such as various types of memory cards andexternal HDDs, and is communicatably and interchangeably mounted to thecamera main body via the communication connector. Then, image dataacquired by photographing is recorded in the recording medium 27. Asanother storage region, a nonvolatile memory 29, such an EEPROM, forstoring a predetermined control parameter required for controlling thecamera is provided so as to be accessible by the Bμcom 50.

The Bμcom 50 has an operation displaying LCD 51 and an operationindicating LED 51 a for informing a user of the operational state of thecamera by a display output, and a camera operating switch 52(hereinafter, the switch is referred to as SW). The operation displayingLCD 51 or the operation indicating LED 51 a is provided with a displayportion or an indicating portion for displaying or indicating vibrationoperation of the dust-proof filter 33 during the period when thedust-proof driving circuit is operated. The camera operating SW 52 is aswitch group including operation buttons required for operating thecamera, such as a release SW, a mode changing SW, and a power SW. Inaddition, the Bμcom 50 is provided with a battery 54 as a power supply,a power supply circuit 53 that converts the voltage of the battery 54 toa required voltage for each circuit unit configuring the camera systemand supplies the required voltage to each circuit unit, and a voltagedetecting circuit that detects a voltage change that occurs when currentis supplied from an external power supply via a jack.

Description will be made below on a simple overview of the operation ofeach component of the camera system configured as described above.First, the image processing controller 28 controls the CCD interfacecircuit 23 according to a command from the Bμcom 50 to acquire imagedata from the CCD 31. The image data is converted into a video signal bythe image processing controller 28 and outputted to be displayed on theliquid crystal monitor 24. A user can check the photographed imagethrough the displayed image on the liquid crystal monitor 24.

The SDRAM 25 is a memory for temporarily storing image data and is usedas a work area for conversion of the image data. The image data isconverted into JPEG data, and thereafter stored in the recording medium27.

The mirror driving mechanism 18 is a mechanism for driving the quickreturn mirror 11 to move it to an up position and a down position. Whenthe quick return mirror 11 is located at the down position, the luminousflux from the photographing lens 1 is divided to be guided toward the AFsensor unit 16 and toward the pentaprism 12. The output from an AFsensor in the AF sensor unit 16 is transmitted via the AF sensor drivingcircuit 17 to the Bμcom 50 where a well-known ranging processing isperformed. On the other hand, a part of the luminous flux passed throughthe pentaprism 12 is guided to the photometric sensor 21 a in thephotometer circuit 21 where a well-known photometric processing isperformed based on the amount of detected light.

Next, the image pickup unit 30 including the CCD 31 will be describedwith reference to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4. Note that, as described above, FIG.2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the exemplary configurationof the image pickup unit 30 (shown by the cross section along the line[2]-[2] in FIG. 3). FIG. 3 is a front view of the dust-proof filter in acase where the dust-proof filter is detached from the image pickup unit30. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the dust-proof filter andthe piezoelectric devices in the image pickup unit 30.

The image pickup unit 30 includes: the CCD 31 as an image pickup device(image forming element) for acquiring an image signal corresponding tothe light passed through the photographing optical system and irradiatedon the photoelectric conversion surface of the CCD; the optical low passfilter (LPF) 32 disposed on the photoelectric conversion surface side(front face side) of the CCD 31, for removing a high-frequency componentfrom the subject luminous flux which is passed through the photographingoptical system and irradiated to the optical low pass filter; and adust-proof transducer 65 configured of the dust-proof filter 33 arrangedas a dust-proof mechanism so as to face the front face side of theoptical LPF 32 with a predetermined distance, the piezoelectric device34 a for applying a predetermined vibration to the dust-proof filter 33,and the piezoelectric device 34 b for absorbing a part of vibrationenergy, the piezoelectric devices 34 a, 34 b being disposed on peripheryof the dust-proof filter 33 (FIGS. 4, 6, and 8).

A CCD chip 31 a of the CCD 31 is directly mounted on a FPC 31 b as aflexible printed circuit disposed on a fixing plate 35, and connectingparts 31 c and 31 d, which are respectively extended from opposite endsof the FPC 31 b, are connected to a main circuit substrate 36 viaconnectors 36 a and 36 b provided on the main circuit substrate 36. Thecover glass 31 e of the CCD 31 is fixed to the FPC 31 b with a spacer 31f interposed therebetween.

A filter receiving member 37 made of a resilient member or the like isdisposed between the CCD 31 and the optical LPF 32. The filter receivingmember 37 is disposed at a position on a front face-side periphery ofthe CCD 31 so as to avoid the effective area of the photoelectricconversion surface and comes into contact with the vicinity of backface-side periphery of the optical LPF 32, thereby keeping theairtightness between the CCD 31 and the optical LPF 32. In addition, aholder 38 that airtightly covers the CCD 31 and the optical LPF 32 isdisposed. The holder 38 has at the substantially center part thereof arectangular-shaped opening 38 a for transmitting a subject luminousflux. A stepped portion 38 b, a cross section of which is substantiallyL-shaped is formed on an inner periphery on the dust-proof filter 33side of the opening 38 a, and the optical LPF 32 and the CCD 31 aredisposed behind the opening 38 a. The optical LPF 32 is disposed in sucha manner that a front face-side periphery thereof substantiallyairtightly comes into contact with the stepped portion 38 b, so that thestepped portion 38 b restricts the position of the optical LPF 32 in thephotographing optical axis direction and prevents the optical LPF 32from slipping out from inside the holder 38 to the front face side.

On the other hand, in order to hold the dust-proof filter 33 in front ofthe optical LPF 32 with a predetermined distance, a dust-proof filterreceiving portion 38 c is formed, over the entire circumference of afront face-side periphery of the holder 38, so as to surround thestepped portion 38 b and protrude more toward the front face side thanthe stepped portion 38 b. The dust-proof filter 33, which is formed in apolygonal plate-like shape as a whole and a rectangular (quadrilateral)shape in the present embodiment, is supported by the dust-proof filterreceiving portion 38 c in a state where the dust-proof filter 33 ispressed against the dust-proof filter receiving portion 38 c by apressing member 40 which is made of a resilient body such as a platespring and fixed to the dust-proof filter receiving portion 38 c with ascrew 39. The dust-proof filter 33 is supported spaced a predetermineddistance from the photoelectric conversion surface (image pickupsurface) of the CCD 33 in the Z direction, in a state where thedust-proof filter 33 is along a plane (XY plane) perpendicular to theoptical axis O, in other words, in a state where the plane is along thevertical direction in the normal photographing state where the opticalaxis O is horizontal with respect to the plane.

Note that vibration-damping receiving members 61 a made of, e.g., rubberor resin are interposed between the pressing member 40 and thedust-proof filter 33. On the other hand, vibration-damping receivingmembers 61 b made of rubber and the like are interposed between thepiezoelectric devices 34 a, 34 b disposed on the back face-side outerperiphery of the dust-proof filter 33 and the dust-proof filterreceiving portion 38 c, so as to be located at positions substantiallysymmetrical with respect to the optical axis. The receiving members 61 bhold the dust-proof filter 33 so as not to interfere with the vibrationof the dust-proof filter 33.

The position of the dust-proof filter 33 in the Y direction isdetermined by supporting the dust-proof filter 33 by a Z-directionflexed portion of the pressing member 40 through a supporting member 63.On the other hand, the position of the dust-proof filter 33 in the Xdirection is determined by supporting the dust-proof filter 33 by asupporting portion 38 d provided to the holder 38. The supporting member63 is also made of vibration-damping material such as rubber or resin soas not to interfere with the vibration of the dust-proof filter 33.

When the receiving members 61 a, 61 b are disposed at positions of nodesof vibration (to be described later) generated in the dust-proof filter33, the receiving members hardly interfere with the vibration of thedust-proof filter 33. As a result, a highly-efficient dust-proof filtercan be configured. In addition, a sealing member 62 as a sealingstructure portion having an elastic deformable ring-shaped lip portionis arranged between a peripheral part of the dust-proof filter 33 andthe dust-proof filter receiving portion 38 c, which ensures an airtightstate of the opening 38 a including a light beam-transmitting area Ea asa light-transmitting portion through which image-forming light beamhaving a width of Ex corresponding to an image pickup area passes. Theimage pickup unit 30 is thus configured to have an airtight structureincluding the holder 38 formed in a desired size for mounting the CCD31. The airtight state in the present embodiment is sufficient if theairtight state is at a level capable of preventing reflection ofintruded dust on a photographed image and influence on the photographedimage to be caused by the dust, and the airtight state is notnecessarily at a level capable of completely preventing gas intrusion.

Furthermore, a connection FPC 64 configured of a flexible printedcircuit is electrically connected to an end portion of the piezoelectricdevice 34 a as a vibration member for vibration application. Electricsignals from the dust-proof filter controlling circuit 48 are inputtedto the piezoelectric device 34 a to generate predetermined vibration inthe piezoelectric device 34 a. Since the connection FPC 64 is made ofresin, copper foil, and the like, and has flexibility, the connectionFPC 64 hardly damps the vibration of the piezoelectric device 34 a.Furthermore, by providing the connection FPC 64 at a position whereamplitude of vibration is small (the position of the node of vibration,to be described later), damping of the vibration can be furtherrestrained.

When the camera has a camera-shake correction mechanism, to be describedlater, the piezoelectric device 34 a moves relative to the body unit100. Accordingly, when the dust-proof filter controlling circuit 48 islocated in the fixing member which is integrated with the body unit 100,the connection FPC 64 is deformed and displaced according to theoperation of the camera-shake correction mechanism. In the presentembodiment, the connection FPC 64 is effective due to its flexibilityand thinness. In the present embodiment, in particular, the connectionFPC 64 is simply configured to be connected to the piezoelectric device34 a at only one point. Therefore, such a connection FPC 64 is bestsuited for a camera having camera-shake correction mechanism.

Dust detached from the surface of the dust-proof filter 33 falls to thelower side of the body unit 100 due to workings of the inertia force ofthe vibration and the gravity force, as will be described later. In thepresent embodiment, a holding member 66 made of sticky material, stickytape, and the like is disposed on a board 38 e provided just proximal tothe downside of the dust-proof filter 33 so as to surely hold the fallendust and prevent the fallen dust from adhering again to the surface ofthe dust-proof filter 33. By generating vibration so that dust iscollected immediately below the dust-proof filter 33 and arranging theholding member 66 immediately below the dust-proof filter 33 asdescribed above, the present embodiment can provide an advantage ofpreventing failure of other mechanisms in the body unit 100 caused bydispersal of the dust.

Next, the camera-shake correction mechanism in the camera according tothe present embodiment will be briefly described. In the camera-shakecorrection in the camera according to the present embodiment, first,camera-shake compensation amount is calculated by an anti-vibrationcontrolling circuit 501, based on angular velocity signals from anX-axis gyroscope 502 that detects an angular velocity of camera shakearound the X-axis of the camera and a Y-axis gyroscope 503 that detectsan angular velocity of camera shake around the Y-axis of the camera.When the direction of the photographing optical axis is a Z-axisdirection, the CCD 31 as an image pickup device (image forming element)is displaced and moved in an X-axis direction as a first direction and aY-axis direction as a second direction, which are perpendicular to eachother on the XY plane perpendicular to the photographing optical axis,such that the camera shake is compensated, thereby eliminating theinfluence caused by camera shake. An anti-vibration unit including adriving apparatus for camera-shake correction uses, as drive sources, anX-axis actuator 506 that drives the CCD 31 in the X-axis direction byinput of a predetermined drive signal and a Y-axis actuator 507 thatdrives the CCD 31 in the Y-axis direction by input of a predetermineddrive signal, and a Y-frame 530 (in other words, the holder 38 in FIG.2) to which the CCD 31 is mounted in the image pickup unit 30 is set asan object to be moved. In the present embodiment, the X-axis actuator506 and the Y-axis actuator 507 are drive sources that drive an X frame530 and the Y-axis frame 530 in the X direction and the Y direction,respectively. A motor combining an electromagnetic rotary motor, a screwfeed mechanism, and the like, or a straight drive electromagnetic motor,a straight drive piezoelectric motor using a voice coil motor, or thelike are used as the actuators.

Now more detailed description will be made on the dust-proof mechanismof the image pickup unit 30 with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8. As describedabove, FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the dust-proof filterand the piezoelectric devices configuring a dust-proof transducer in theimage pickup unit 30. FIG. 5 is a front view of the dust-proof filter,which shows the state of the vibration generated in the dust-prooffilter. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line [6]-[6] inFIG. 5, which is a concept view showing a traveling wave generated inthe dust-proof filter. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along theline [7]-[7] of FIG. 5. FIG. 8 is a view showing the state of thevibration by enlarging the cross section taken along the line [6]-[6] inFIG. 5.

The dust-proof filter 33 formed by a glass plate has a circular orpolygonal plate-like shape as a whole. At least a region which expandsto some extent from the center of the dust-proof filter 33 in a radialdirection is formed as a transparent portion. The transparent portion isarranged so as to face the front face side of the optical LPF 32 with apredetermined distance.

The piezoelectric device 34 a, which is a predetermined vibration memberfor vibration application for applying vibration to the dust-prooffilter 33, is disposed, with the longitudinal direction being the Xdirection, on the upper side periphery in the Y direction of one surface(on the back face side in the Z direction in the present embodiment) ofthe dust-proof filter 33, by means of pasting such as adhesive.Furthermore, the piezoelectric device 34 b, which is a vibration memberfor vibration absorption for absorbing a part of vibration applied tothe dust-proof filter 33, is disposed, with the longitudinal directionbeing the X direction, on the lower side periphery in the Y direction ofthe dust-proof filter 33 similarly by means of pasting such as adhesive.Note that in FIGS. 6 and 7, the widths in the Y direction and thelengths in the X direction of the piezoelectric devices 34 a, 34 b areshown by Sy and Sx, respectively.

The dust-proof transducer 65, which is configured by disposing thepiezoelectric devices 34 a, 34 b on the dust-proof filter 33, resonantlyvibrates when a voltage with a predetermined frequency is applied to thepiezoelectric device 34 a, and generates flexing vibration shown inFIGS. 5, 6 and 7. As shown in FIG. 4, on the piezoelectric device 34 aare formed a signal electrode S34 a 1, and a signal electrode G34 a 2which is provided on the rear surface at a position opposed to thesignal electrode S34 a 1 and drawn, through the side surface, to thesurface on which the signal electrode S34 a 1 is formed. Thepiezoelectric device 34 a is connected with the connection FPC 64 havinga conductive pattern which is electrically connected to the signalelectrode S34 a 1 and the signal electrode G34 a 2.

The dust-proof filter controlling circuit 48 which is connected to theelectrodes through the FPC 64 applies a driving voltage having apredetermined cycle to the dust-proof filter 33, thereby capable ofgenerating two-dimensional standing-wave flexing vibration as shown inFIGS. 5, 6 and 7, in the dust-proof filter 33.

The flexing vibration shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 show the standing-wavevibration generated when the piezoelectric device 34 a polarized in athickness direction (Z direction) and the piezoelectric device 34 bwhich is a non-polarized non-piezoelectric ceramic are pasted on thedust-proof filter 33. Note that the center line N0 in FIG. 6 representsa line on the neutral plane of the dust-proof filter 33.

In FIG. 5, lines Nx and Ny represent the nodes of vibration. Novibration amplitude occurs on these lines. A region A0 is within a rangewhere the nodes of vibration intersect with each other and is a regionwhere almost no vibration amplitude occurs. Regions A1 and A2 showvibration regions which deform to the front face side in a convex shapeor in a concave shape. In this standing-wave state, the dust adhered tothe area where almost no vibration occurs cannot be removed by theflexing vibration.

Accordingly, in the present embodiment, in addition to the state wherethe standing-wave flexing vibration is generated as shown in FIG. 5, atraveling flexing wave is generated in the dust-proof filter 33 bydisposing at a predetermined position on the dust-proof filter 33 thepiezoelectric device 34 b polarized in the thickness direction (Zdirection) and causing the piezoelectric device 34 b to absorb thepredetermined vibration in the standing-wave flexing vibration anddischarge the generated electric charge. The traveling flexing wave candetach the dust adhered to the light beam-transmitting area Ea, throughwhich the image-forming light beam passes, of the dust-proof filter 33,by the inertia force generated in the dust.

Next, detailed description will be made on the method of generating atraveling wave with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 shows the same crosssection as one along the line [6]-[6] in FIG. 5, and the vibration stateis the same as the state where the piezoelectric device 34 b is notpolarized (same as the state shown in FIG. 5). When a voltage with apredetermined frequency f is applied to the piezoelectric device 34 a,the dust-proof transducer 65 including the dust-proof filter 33 becomesa state shown by the solid line at a certain time point t0.

When the angle velocity of the voltage with the above-describedfrequency is defined as ω, the amplitude in the Z direction as A, andthe wavelength of the flexing vibration as λ, and the equation Y=2πy/λis satisfied, the vibration z (Y, t), which is the vibration in the Zdirection at a certain mass point Y1 located at an arbitrary position yon the surface of the transducer at an arbitrary time t, is expressed bythe following equation.

z(Y,t)=A×sin(y)×cos(ωt)  (1)

The equation (1) represents the waveform of the standing-wave vibrationin FIGS. 5, 6, and 7. Note that, since the wavelength λ is thewavelength in the Y direction, the wavelength λ is shown as λy in thedrawings.

That is, when the equation y=n·λ/2 is satisfied with n being an integer,Y is given by the equation Y=nπ, and sin(Y) is zero. Accordingly, thevibration includes the nodes in which the vibration amplitude in the Zdirection becomes zero irrespective of time, so that this isstanding-wave vibration. The state indicated by the dashed lines in FIG.8 shows the vibration at the time expressed by t=kπ/ω (k is an oddnumber), the phase of which is reversed from the phase of the vibrationat the time t0.

On the other hand, when the piezoelectric device 34 b as a vibrationabsorbing body is in a polarized state (state in FIG. 8), the distance H(distance between the centers of the Y-direction width Sy of thepiezoelectric devices) between the disposing position of thepiezoelectric device 34 b and the disposing position of thepiezoelectric device 34 a is expressed by the following equation.

H=k(λ/4)

Note that the polarized direction of the piezoelectric device 34 b isindicated by the arrow PL in FIG. 8. In this case, if H is assumed to bevibration phase, λ is expressed as λ=2π, so that H is given by H=kπ/2.At the timing that the phase advances by π/2 with the vibration phase ofthe piezoelectric device 34 a as reference, the piezoelectric device 34b absorbs the generated vibration to generate an electric charge, andthe generated electric charge is flown to the ground.

Similarly as the equation (1), when the vibration of the piezoelectricdevice 34 b is expressed as the vibration zb(Y, t) at an arbitraryposition y in the Y direction, and only the case where the equationk=(1+4n) is satisfied with n being an integer is considered, H is givenby the following equations.

$\begin{matrix}{H = {k\; {\pi/2}}} \\{= \left( {{\pi/2} + {2\; \pi \; n}} \right)} \\{= {\pi/2}}\end{matrix}$

The above-described vibration zb(Y, t) is given by the followingequation (the state shown in FIG. 8).

zb(Y,t)=sin(Y+π/2)×cos(ωt+π/2)  (2)

Incidentally, k is an odd number, and k is expressed by the equation:k=(3+4n) when k is not expressed by the equation: k=(1+4n), and H isexpressed as H=3π+2.

This state can be achieved only by shifting the disposing position ofthe piezoelectric device 34 b by λ/2.

The equation (1) represents the vibration z(Y, t) generated by thepiezoelectric device 34 a. If the vibration zb(Y, t) represented by theequation (2) is subtracted from the z(Y, t), combined vibration Z(Y, t)expressed by the following equation is obtained.

Z(Y,t)=z(Y,t)−zb(Y,t)

As a result, the following equations are obtained.

$\begin{matrix}\begin{matrix}{{Z\left( {Y,t} \right)} = {{{\sin (Y)} \times {\cos \left( {\omega \; t} \right)}} - {{\sin \left( {Y + {\pi/2}} \right)} \times {\cos \left( {{\omega \; t} - {\pi/2}} \right)}}}} \\{= {{{\sin (Y)} \times {\cos \left( {\omega \; t} \right)}} - {{\cos (Y)} \times {\sin \left( {\omega \; t} \right)}}}}\end{matrix} & (3) \\{\mspace{76mu} {= {\sin \left( {Y - {\omega \; t}} \right)}}} & (4)\end{matrix}$

The equation (4) expresses the traveling wave.

Here, the time phase can be shifted as follows. If the frequency of theinput signal of the dust-proof filter controlling circuit 48 is shiftedfrom the frequency at which the standing wave with maximum amplitude(standing wave at the resonant frequency) is generated in the dust-prooftransducer 65, the phase of the voltage signal (indicating thegeneration of electric charge) generated in the piezoelectric device 34b is also shifted. Accordingly, the time phase can be shifted by settingthe frequency applied to the piezoelectric device 34 a to apredetermined value. The advancing direction of the traveling waveexpressed by the equation (4) is the positive direction of the Ydirection, that is, the Wy direction shown in FIG. 8. At this time,elliptic vibration occurs at the mass point Y0 on the surface of thedust-proof filter 33 as shown in FIG. 8 (see the reference character ELin FIG. 8). In FIG. 8, the dust adhered to the dust-proof filterreceives downward inertia force, so that the force to detach the dustbecomes stronger by being combined with the force acting in thegravitational direction. In addition, in FIG. 8, as shown by thereference character EC, the electric charge generated in thepiezoelectric device 34 b is positively flown to the ground. However,both positive and negative electric charges are cyclically generated andflown through inside the signal electrode S34 b 1 and the signalelectrode G34 b 2 to be annihilated, so that the piezoelectric device 34b is not necessarily connected to the ground of the circuit. Thetraveling direction of the traveling wave can be changed by shifting thepositional phase Y by π (that is, shifting the distance H by λ) toreverse the phase, or by shifting the time phase ωt by π.

Next, description will be made on the vibration state in a case wherethe frequency of the piezoelectric device 34 b is changed around theresonant frequency using the electric equivalent circuit of thepiezoelectric device 34 b as a vibration absorbing body in FIG. 9.Around the resonant frequency of the dust-proof transducer 65, theelectric equivalent circuit of the piezoelectric device 34 b is shown bythe reference character CB in FIG. 9. The reference character C0 in FIG.9 represents the capacitance inherently possessed by the piezoelectricdevice 34 b. The reference characters L, C and R represent values in theequivalent circuit in a case where the mechanical vibration by thepiezoelectric device is replaced by electric vibration of a coil, acapacitor, and a resistance as electric circuit devices. It is needlessto say that these values change depending on the frequency.

When the frequency becomes the resonant frequency f0, that is, when thefrequency is expressed by the equation f0=1/(2π√(L·C), L and C resonatewith each other as shown in the electric equivalent circuit CB2 in FIG.9. If the frequency is increased toward the resonant frequency from anon-resonant frequency, the phase of the piezoelectric device 34 bchanges with respect to the phase of vibration of the piezoelectricdevice 34 a. At the time of resonance, the phase advances by π/2. If thefrequency is further increased, the phase advances up to π. If thefrequency is yet further increased, the phase decreases. When thefrequency is out of the resonant range, the phases of the piezoelectricdevices 34 a and 34 b become the same. Actually, according to theconfiguration of the dust-proof transducer 65, an ideal state cannot beobtained and the phase does not change up to π in some cases. However,if the drive frequency is appropriately set, the phase can be set to π/2or in the vicinity of π/2.

Due to the generation of the above-described traveling wave, the areawhere vibration amplitude is large as shown in FIG. 5 moves upward, andregions other than those corresponding to the nodes of vibration in theY direction becomes an area where the vibration amplitude is large. Thelight beam-transmitting area Ea through which the image-forming lightbeam having the width Ex passes is sufficiently smaller than theregions, so that dust can be removed from the transmitting area forimage-forming light beam. In addition, the nodes of vibration parallelto the Y direction in FIG. 5 remain as nodes, even if a traveling waveis generated. Therefore, if the portions corresponding to the nodes areused for holding the dust-proof filter 33, the dust-proof filter 33 canbe securely supported without generation of vibration damping. On theother hand, the sealing member 62 (FIGS. 2, 3) have to be provided inthe portions where the traveling wave is generated. However, the sealingmember is formed in a lip shape to prevent strong force from acting inthe flexing vibration amplitude direction, so that vibration dampingcaused by the sealing member 62 is extremely low.

Normally, temperature influences the elastic coefficient of thedust-proof transducer 65, and is one factor to change the characteristicfrequency of the dust-proof transducer 65. Accordingly, it is preferableto measure the temperature of the dust-proof transducer 65 when usingit, and take the characteristic frequency thereof into consideration. Inthis embodiment, a temperature sensor (not shown) connected to atemperature measuring circuit (not shown) is provided in the body unit100. Based on the measured temperature by the temperature sensor, acorrection value for a predetermined vibration frequency of thedust-proof transducer 65 is stored in the EEPROM 29. The measuredtemperature and the correction value are read into the Bμcom 50 tocalculate a drive frequency, and the calculated drive frequency is setas a drive frequency for the dust-proof filter controlling circuit 48.

Next, description will be made on the driving and control, and operationof the dust-proof filter 33 of the camera equipped with dust-prooffunction according to the present embodiment, with reference to thecircuit diagram of the dust-proof filter controlling circuit 48 shown inFIG. 10, and the time charts shown in FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C and 11D.

The dust-proof filter controlling circuit 48 exemplified here has thecircuit configuration shown in FIG. 10. In the components in the circuitare generated signals Sig 1, Sig 2, Sig 3 and Sig 4 which have thewaveforms shown by the time charts in FIG. 11A, FIG. 11B, FIG. 11C andFIG. 11D, respectively. Based on the signals, the dust-proof filtercontrolling circuit 48 is controlled as described below.

The dust-proof filter controlling circuit 48, as exemplified in FIG. 10,is configured of a N-ary counter 41, a ½ frequency-dividing circuit 42,an inverter 43, a plurality of MOS transistors (Q00, Q01, Q02) 44 a, 44b and 44 c, a transformer 45, and a resistance (R00) 46.

On/off switching operations of the transistor (Q01) 44 b and thetransistor (Q02) 44 c which are connected to the primary side of thetransformer 45 generate the signal (Sig 4) having a predetermined cycleon the secondary side of the transformer 45. Furthermore, based on thesignal (Sig 4) having the predetermined cycle, the piezoelectric device34 a is driven through an electromechanical converter 22 a and a part ofgenerated vibration is absorbed by the piezoelectric device 34 b,thereby generating a resonant traveling wave in the dust-prooftransducer 65 to which the dust-proof filter 33 is fixed.

The Bμcom 50 controls the dust-proof filter controlling circuit 48 asdescribed below through two IO ports, “P-PwCont” and “D-NCnt” (see FIG.10) which are provided as control ports, and a clock generator 55 whichexists inside the Bμcom 50.

The clock generator 55 outputs a pulse signal (basic clock signal) tothe N-ary counter 41 at a frequency which is sufficiently more rapidthan the signal frequency applied to the piezoelectric device 34 a. Theoutput signal is the Sig 1 having the waveform shown by the time chartin FIG. 11A. The basic clock signal is inputted to the N-ary counter 41.

The N-ary counter 41 counts the pulse signal and outputs an end-pulsesignal every time the number of the pulse signal reaches a predeterminedvalue “N”. That is, the basic clock signal is frequency-divided by N.This output signal is the signal Sig 2 having the waveform shown in thetime chart in FIG. 11B. The duty ratio of H (High) to L (Low) of thefrequency-divided pulse signal is not 1 to 1. Accordingly, the dutyratio is converted into 1 to 1 by passing the frequency-divided pulsesignal through the ½ frequency-dividing circuit 42. Note that theconverted pulse signal corresponds to the signal Sig 3 having thewaveform shown by the time chart in FIG. 11C.

When the converted pulse signal is in the high state, the MOS transistor(Q01) 44 b which receives this pulse signal is turned on. On the otherhand, the pulse signal is applied to the transistor (Q02) 44 c via theinverter 43. Therefore, when the pulse signal is in the low state, thetransistor (Q02) which receives this pulse signal is turned on. If thetransistor (Q01) 44 b and the transistor (Q02) 44 c, which are connectedto the primary side of the transformer 45, are alternatively turned on,a signal having a cycle similar to that of the signal Sig 4 in FIG. 11Dis generated on the secondary side.

The winding ratio of the transformer 45 is determined depending on theoutput voltage of the unit of the power supply circuit 53 and thevoltage required for driving the piezoelectric device 34 a. Note thatthe resistance (R00) 46 is provided for preventing the excessive currentfrom flowing to the transformer 45.

When the piezoelectric device 34 a is driven, it is required that thetransistor (Q00) 44 a is turned on and a voltage is applied to thecenter tap of the transformer 45 from the unit of the power supplycircuit 53. The on/off control of the transistor (Q00) 44 a is performedthrough the “P-PwCont” which is the IO port. The setting value “N” ofthe N-ary counter 41 can be set by the “D-NCnt” which is the IO port.The Bμcom 50 can arbitrarily change the drive frequency of thepiezoelectric device 34 a by appropriately controlling the setting value“N”.

At this time, the frequency can be calculated based on the equationbelow. That is, when the setting value of the counter is defined as N,the frequency of the output pulse of the clock generator as fpls, andthe frequency of the signal applied to the piezoelectric device 34 a asfdrv, fdrv can be obtained based on the following equation.

fdrv=fpls/2N  (5)

The calculation based on the equation (5) is performed by a CPU as acontrolling section of the Bμcom 50.

Furthermore, the camera has a display portion for informing a camerauser of the operation of the dust-proof filter 33 in a case where thedust-proof filter 33 is vibrated at the frequency within the ultrasonicrange (frequency which is equal to or higher than 20 kHz). That is, whenapplying vibration by the piezoelectric device 34 a asvibration-applying means to the dust-proof filter 33, as a translucentvibratable member to be vibrated, which is arranged in front of theimage pickup unit 30, the digital camera of the present embodimentactivates the display portion of the camera in conjunction with theoperation of the driving circuit of the vibration-applying means andinforms the user of the operation of the dust-proof filter 33 (to bedetailed later).

In order to describe the above characteristics, a specific photographingsequence performed by the Bμcom 50 as a body controlling microcomputeris described with reference to FIGS. 12, 13 and 14.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the photographing sequence in the camera ofthe present embodiment and shows the photographing sequence (mainroutine) performed by the Bμcom 50. FIGS. 13 and 14 are subroutinesinvoked in the main routine. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of “non-audiblevibration-applying operation”. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of “displayoperation” associated with the vibration-applying operation in FIG. 13.

The control program executable by the Bμcom 50 in the flowchart in FIG.12 starts to be executed when the power supply switch (not shown) of thebody unit 100 of the camera is turned on.

First, in step S0, processing to activate the camera system isperformed. The power supply circuit 53 is controlled to supply power toeach circuit unit configuring the camera system. In addition, initialsetting of each unit is performed.

In step S1, by calling up the subroutine “non-audible vibration-applyingoperation” (see FIG. 13) to be described later, the dust-proof filter 33is vibrated in a non-audible manner, that is, outside the audible range.Note that the audible range in the present embodiment is within thefrequency of about 20 Hz to 20000 Hz, with audibility of ordinary peopleas reference.

The subsequent steps S2 to S27 are a step group which is performedcyclically. The step S2 is a step for detecting attachment/detachment ofan accessory to and from the camera. For example, in theattachment/detachment detecting operation for detecting whether the lensunit 10 as an accessory has been mounted to the body unit 100, theattachment/detachment state of the lens unit 10 is checked bycommunication with the Lμcom 50.

If, in step S3, it is detected that a predetermined accessory has beenmounted to the camera main body, in step S4, the dust-proof filter 33 isvibrated in a non-audible manner by calling up the subroutine“non-audible vibration-applying operation” to be described later.

When the accessory, in particular, the lens unit 10 is not mounted tothe body unit 100 as the camera main body, it is more likely that dustadheres particularly to each of the lenses and the dust-proof filter 33.It is thus effective to perform dust removing operation at the timing ofdetection of the mounting of the lens unit 10, as described above. Inaddition, at the time of lens replacement, air is circulated and dust islikely to enter and adhere to inside the camera, so that it ismeaningful to remove dust at the time of lens replacement. Then, thestatus is regarded as immediately before the photographing and theroutine moves on to step S5.

On the other hand, in the step S3, it is detected that the lens unit 10is detached from the body unit 100, the routine skips step S4 to move onto the next step S5. In the step S5, detection is made on the states ofthe predetermined operating switches included in the camera.

In step S8, it is determined whether or not a first release SW (notshown) configuring a first stage release switch is operated, based onthe on/off state of the release SW. The state of the first releaseswitch is read, and if the first release SW is not turned on for over apredetermined time period, the routine moves on to the step S17 to bedescribed later to terminate the processing (sleep and the like).

On the other hand, the first release SW has been turned on, luminanceinformation of a subject is obtained from the photometer circuit 21 instep S9. Based on the luminance information, an exposure time (Tv value)of the CCD unit 27 and the diaphragm setting value (Av value) of thelens unit 10 are calculated.

After that, in step S10, detection data of the AF sensor unit 16 isobtained via the AF sensor driving circuit 17. Based on the data,defocus amount is calculated.

In step S11, it is determined whether or not the calculated defocusamount is within a permissible range. When it is determined that thedefocus amount is not within the permissible range, the photographinglens is driven and controlled in step S12, and the routine returns tostep S2.

Furthermore, in step S16, it is determined whether or not a secondrelease SW (not shown) configuring a second stage release switch hasbeen turned on. When the second release SW is in the on-state, theroutine moves on to the subsequent step S18 and a predeterminedphotographing operation (to be detailed later) is started. On the otherhand, the second release SW is in the off-state, the routine moves on tostep S17 to terminate the processing.

Note that, during the image pickup operation, as usual, electronic imagepickup operation is controlled to be performed in the time periodcorresponding to a predetermined speed for exposure (exposure speed).

As the above-described photographing operation, in the steps S18 to S24,a subject image is picked up in a predetermined order. First, the Avvalue is transmitted to the Lμcom 5 and an instruction is given to the LLμcom 5 to drive the diaphragm 3 (step S18), and the quick return mirror11 is moved to an UP position (step S19). Then front curtain running ofthe shutter 15 is started to perform shutter opening control (step S20),instruction to perform “image pickup operation” is given to the imageprocessing controller 28 (step S21). When exposure (image pickup) to theCCD 31 for the time period indicated by the Tv value is finished, rearcurtain running of the shutter 15 is started to perform shutter closing(CLOSE) control (step S22). Then non-audible vibration-applyingoperation is terminated. Then, the quick return minor 11 is driven andmoved to DOWN position, and charging operation of the shutter 15 isperformed (step S23).

After that, an instruction is given to the Lμcom 5 to return thediaphragm 3 to the opening position (step S24), a series of image pickupoperation is terminated.

Subsequently, in step S25, it is detected whether or not the recordingmedium 27 is mounted to the body unit 100. When the recording medium 27is not mounted, warning is displayed in step S27. Then, the routinemoves on again to the above-described step S2, and the same series ofprocessings are repeated.

On the other hand, the recording medium 27 is mounted, in step S26, aninstruction is given to the image processing controller 28 to record thephotographed image data in the recording medium 27. When the recordingoperation of the image data is terminated, the routine moves on again tothe step S2, and the same series of processings are repeated.

Description will now be made on control procedures of theabove-described three subroutines in association with the relationshipbetween the detailed vibration configuration and the display operationin the vibration-applying operation, with reference to FIGS. 13, 14 and15. Note that the vibration configuration is a configuration of thevibration generated by the vibration-applying means.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the subroutine “non-audible vibration-applyingoperation”. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of “display operation” associatedwith the vibration-applying operation in FIG. 13. FIG. 15 is a viewshowing the waveform of the resonant frequency continuously supplied tothe vibration-applying means in the non-audible vibration-applyingoperation.

Since the subroutine “non-audible vibration-applying operation” in FIG.13 and the subroutine “display operation” associated with thevibration-applying operation in FIG. 14 are intended for thevibration-applying operation performed only for removing the dust of thedust-proof filter 33, the vibration frequency f0 is set to apredetermined frequency around the resonant frequency of the dust-prooffilter 33. For example, the vibration frequency is set to 80 kHz in thepresent embodiment. Since the vibration frequency is at least higherthan 20 kHz, the vibration is non-audible for the user.

First, in step S200, data related to a driving time period (Toscf0)during which the dust-proof filter 33 is vibrated and a drivingfrequency (Noscf0) as the resonant frequency is read from apredetermined storage area of the EEPROM 29. At this timing, in stepS101, display of a vibration-applying mode is turned on. Next, in stepS102, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time period haselapsed. When it is determined that the predetermined time period hasnot elapsed, the display of the vibration-applying mode is continued.After the predetermined time period has elapsed, in step S103, thedisplay of the vibration-applying mode is turned off.

On the other hand, in step S201, the driving frequency Noscf0 isoutputted from the output port “D-NCnt” of the Bμcom 50 to the N-arycounter 41 of the dust-proof filter controlling circuit 48.

In the subsequent steps S202 to step S204, dust removing operation isperformed as follows. That is, first, the dust removing operation startsto be executed. Meanwhile, in the display operation at this time, thedisplay of the vibration-applying operation is started (step S104) atthe timing that a control flag of the “P-PwCont” is set to Hi (HighValue). Next, in step S105, it is determined whether or not apredetermined time period has elapsed. When it is determined that thepredetermined time period has not elapsed, the display of thevibration-applying operation is continued. After the predetermined timeperiod has elapsed, the display of the vibration-applying operation isterminated (step S106). The display of the vibration-applying operationat this time changes (not shown) depending on elapse of time period orthe state of dust removal. The predetermined time period in this case isapproximately equal to Toscf0 which is duration of vibration-applyingoperation, to be described later. In addition, when the control flag ofthe “P-PwCont” is set to Hi for dust removal (step S202), thepiezoelectric device 34 a applies vibration to the dust-proof filter 33at the predetermined driving frequency (Noscf0) to shake off the dustadhered to the filter surface. When the dust adhered to the dust-prooffilter surface is shaken off by the dust removing operation, aerialvibration occurs at the same time and ultrasound is generated. However,even if the dust-proof filter is driven at the driving frequency Noscf0,the sound is out of the audible range of ordinary people, so thatordinary people cannot hear the sound.

During the predetermined driving time period (Toscf0), wait statecontinues with the dust-proof filter 33 vibrated (step S203). After thepredetermined driving time period (Toscf0) elapsed, the control flag of“P-PwCont” is set to Lo (Low value), and the display ofvibration-applying termination is turned on (step S107) and dustremoving operation is stopped (step S204). After the predetermined timeperiod has elapsed (step S108), the display of the vibration-applyingtermination is turned off (step S109), and the display is terminated.Then, the routine returns to the next step of the step called up in themain routine.

The vibration frequency f0 (Noscf0) as the resonant frequency and thedriving time period (Toscf0), which are applied in the subroutine, areindicated by the waveform shown in FIG. 15. That is, the waveform is acontinuous waveform in which constant vibration (f0=40 kHz) continuesover the time period (Toscf0) sufficient for dust removal. With thisconfiguration of vibration, the resonant frequency to be supplied to thevibration-applying means is adjusted and controlled.

As described above, the digital camera according to the presentembodiment uses the dust-proof filter 33 which occupies a small spaceand has a simple configuration, to generate ultrasonic vibrationincluding a uniform traveling wave in a range which needs dust proof.Such a digital camera is capable of highly efficiently preventing dustfrom adhering to the CCD 31 and also preventing dust from beingreflected on the CCD 31.

In addition, the unit, which is configured of the dust-proof mechanismincluding the dust-proof filter and the controlling circuit for thedust-proof mechanism, applied to the camera of the present embodimentcan be applied also as a dust-proof unit for a liquid crystal panel of avideo apparatus such as a liquid crystal projector. Such a unit iscapable of efficiently preventing dust from being reflected on a screensurface.

Next, as a second embodiment of the present invention, a dust-proofmechanism including a dust-proof filter applicable to a digital camerawill be described with reference to FIGS. 16, 17 and 18.

FIG. 16 is a front view of a dust-proof filter, which shows a state ofthe vibration generated in the dust-proof filter according to thepresent embodiment. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along theline [17]-[17] in FIG. 16, which is a concept view showing the travelingwave generated in the dust-proof filter. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectionalview taken along the line [18]-[18] in FIG. 16.

The dust-proof mechanism including the dust-proof filter according tothe present embodiment is different in the following point from thedust-proof filter according to the first embodiment. That is, the firstdifferent point is that the arranging position of a piezoelectric device34Aa as a vibration member for vibration application is located on theobverse side (front face side) of the dust-proof filter 33A, and at aposition opposed, via the dust-proof filter 33A, to the arrangingposition of a piezoelectric device 34Ab as a vibration member forvibration absorption which is arranged on the rear side (rear face side)of the dust-proof filter 33A (FIG. 17). However, the distance H betweenthe center positions of the piezoelectric device 34Aa and thepiezoelectric device 34Ab is expressed by the equation: H=n (λ/4). Thesecond different point is the shapes of the piezoelectric devices 34Aaand 34Ab. The piezoelectric devices are formed such that the length inthe X direction is shorter and the width in the Y direction is largerthan those in the first embodiment.

When the piezoelectric devices 34Aa and 34Ab are arranged in anoverlapped manner in the Y direction, the width in the Y direction canbe made larger with the reduction in the length in the X direction.Accordingly, it is possible to generate and absorb the vibration energysimilarly as in the first embodiment. In addition, by shifting a lightbeam-transmitting area Ea in the Y direction, the dimension in the Ydirection can be made smaller. Furthermore, since the length of thepiezoelectric device 34Aa in the X direction can be made shorter, thedust-proof-filter pressing member, which is made of a plate spring andthe like, can directly presses the dust-proof filter 33A similarly as inthe first embodiment, without changing the pressing position. Thereforethe same pressing member as the one in the first embodiment can be used.Note that the dimension in the Z direction becomes longer than that inthe first embodiment, only in the portion where the piezoelectric device34Aa is attached, for the thickness of the piezoelectric device 34Aa.However, other dimensions such as the area of the dust-proof filter 33Acan be formed smaller. Furthermore, when defining the wavelength of theflexing vibration as λx, the lengths in the X direction of thepiezoelectric devices are within λx/2, and the piezoelectric devices34Aa and 34Ab are in the same phase area in the flexing vibration.Accordingly, vibration can be generated in higher efficiency than in thefirst embodiment.

Next, as a third embodiment of the present invention, the control of adust-proof mechanism including a dust-proof filter which is applicableto a digital camera will be described with reference to FIG. 19.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a subroutine “non-audible vibration-applyingoperation” in the present embodiment.

In the flowchart of the “non-audible vibration-applying operation” inFIG. 19, the operation of the subroutine “vibration-applying operation”shown in FIG. 13 in the first embodiment is modified. The operation ofthe dust-proof filter is different from that in the first embodiment.That is, in the first embodiment, the driving frequency of thedust-proof filter 33 is set to the fixed value of f0 to generate atraveling wave. In contrast, in the third embodiment, vibration in whichstanding-wave vibration and traveling-wave vibration exist in temporallymixed manner is generated. The vibration frequency f0 in the subroutine“non-audible vibration-applying operation” in FIG. 19 is set to apredetermined frequency around the resonant frequency of the dust-prooffilter. For example, the vibration frequency is set to 80 kHz in thisembodiment. Since the vibration frequency is at least higher than 20kHz, the vibration is non-audible for the user.

First, in step S300, data related to the driving time period (Toscf0)during which the dust-proof filter 33 is vibrated, a driving startfrequency (Noscfs), a frequency shift amount (Δf), and a drivingtermination frequency (Noscft) is read from a predetermined storage areain the EEPROM 29.

In step S301, a driving start frequency (Noscfs) is set as the drivingfrequency (Noscf). In step S302, the driving frequency (Noscf) isoutputted from the output port “D-Ncnt” of the Bμcom 50 to the N-arycounter 41 of the dust-proof filter controlling circuit 48.

In the subsequent steps S303 to S307, dust removing operation isperformed as follows. First, dust removing operation is started. In stepS303, when the control flag of the “P-PwCont” is set to Hi (High value)for dust removal, the piezoelectric device 34 a applies vibration to thedust-proof filter 33 at the predetermined driving frequency (Noscf) togenerate a standing-wave-based vibration in the dust-proof filter 33.Depending on the configuration of the dust-proof filter 33 and thesetting of the Noscfs, also a traveling-wave component is partiallygenerated. Note that the dust adhered to the filter surface is shakenoff by the standing-wave vibration. However, it is impossible to removethe dust adhered to the area around the nodes of the standing wave wherethe vibration amplitude is small. In step S304, vibration is continuedduring the driving time period (Toscf0).

Next, in step S305, comparison determination is made as to whether thedriving frequency (Noscf) is the driving termination frequency (Noscft).When the driving frequency does not match the driving terminationfrequency (determination is NO), the frequency shift amount (Δf) isadded to the driving frequency (Noscf), and the value obtained by theaddition is set again as the driving frequency (Noscf). After that, theoperations from the steps S301 to S304 are repeated. When the drivingfrequency (Noscf) matches the driving termination frequency (Noscft) instep S305 (determination is YES), the control flag of the “P-PwCont” isset to Lo in step S307. The vibration-applying operation by thepiezoelectric device 34 a is terminated, and a series of “non-audiblevibration-applying operations” are terminated.

When the frequency is thus changed, the vibration phase of thepiezoelectric device 34Ab is shifted as described above. If the drivingstart frequency (Noscfs), the frequency shift amount (Δf), and thedriving termination frequency (Noscft) are set so that atraveling-wave-based vibration is generated in the dust-proof filter 33,the standing-wave-based vibration is first generated in the dust-prooffilter, and the standing-wave component is gradually reduced and thetraveling-wave component is increased. Accordingly, it is possible tocontrol the vibration such that, after the vibration becomestraveling-wave-based vibration, the traveling-wave component is reducedand the standing-wave component is increased again, and finally thestanding-wave-based vibration is generated again. Therefore, the dustremained on the dust-proof filter surface in the standing-wave vibrationcan be shaken off by the above-described traveling-wave vibration. Inaddition, if the range between the driving start frequency (Noscfs) andthe driving termination frequency (Noscft) is set large to some extent,change in the resonant frequency depending on the temperature andmanufacturing non-uniformity of the dust-proof transducer 65 can beabsorbed and the dust adhered to the dust-proof filter 33 can be surelyshaken off with an extremely simple circuit configuration.

Next, as a fourth embodiment of the present invention, a dust-proofmechanism including a dust-proof filter applicable to a digital camerawill be described with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the dust-proof filter of thedust-proof mechanism according to the present embodiment, which is thecross-sectional view of the dust-proof filter corresponding to one inFIG. 6 in the first embodiment. FIG. 21 shows an electric equivalentcircuit in a state where a coil is connected to the piezoelectric devicefor vibration absorption of the dust-proof filter according to presentembodiment.

The setting method of the time phase in the first embodiment has beendescribed with reference to FIG. 9. The present embodiment uses a methodin which the vibration phase of the piezoelectric device 34 b as avibration absorbing body can be changed by π/2 even if frequency is setto any frequency around the resonant frequency. As shown in FIG. 20, acoil 67B is inserted in series in the piezoelectric device 34 b. In thepresent embodiment, the coil 67B has such a function as to delay thevibration phase of the piezoelectric device 34 b by π/2 whenelectrically resonating. The coil 67B can electrically shift the phaseof current as a flow of electric charge, and electrically resonate withthe capacitance C0 of the piezoelectric body in the electric equivalentcircuit CB3 in FIG. 21, thereby capable of discharging electric chargemost efficiently. Similarly, by connecting in series or in parallel acapacitor to the piezoelectric device 34 b, when the capacitorelectrically resonates, the phase can be advanced by π/2. As a result, atraveling wave can be generated very efficiently, similarly in the caseof using a coil. In addition, the value of the inductance Lk of the coil67B is set to the value shown in FIG. 21. However, if the inductance isset to another value, a delayed phase can be set to a numeric valueother than π/2.

Furthermore, the following modified example may be used for each of theabove-described embodiments. For example, in addition to the dustremoving means using the vibration-applying means of the dust-proofmechanism, a method of removing the dust of the dust-proof filter byairflow and a mechanism for removing the dust of the dust-proof filterusing a wiper may be used in combination.

In addition, in each of the above-described embodiments, the vibrationmember for vibration application is the piezoelectric body. However,there is no limitation placed thereon, and an electrostrictive materialor a super magnetostrictive material may be used.

Moreover, the dust-proof member as the object for vibration applicationis not limited to the exemplified dust-proof filter 33 formed by atransparent glass plate, and may be an optical element such as anoptical low pass filter (LPF), an infrared cut filter, a polarizationfilter, or a half mirror, instead of the transparent glass plate, as faras the dust-proof member is a light-transmissive member and located onan optical path.

In addition, in order to effectively shake off the dust adhered to themember to be vibrated at the time of vibrating, coating processing maybe applied to the surface of the member to be vibrated so as to coat thesurface with an ITO (indium tin oxide) film, an indium zinc film, or apoly-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene film, as a transparent conductive film,or a surfactant film or a siloxane film, as a hygroscopic antistaticfilm, for example. However, the values such as the frequency or drivingtime period related to the vibration and an arranging position of avibration-absorbing member are required to be set depending on themember.

Furthermore, the optical low pass filter (LPF) 32 described as the firstembodiment may be configured as a plurality of pieces of optical lowpass filters (LPF) having a birefringent property, and among theplurality of pieces of optical low pass filters (LPF), the optical lowpass filter (LPF) arranged closest to the subject side may be used as adust-proof member (object to be vibrated) instead of the dust-prooffilter 33 illustrated in FIG. 2.

In addition, the camera may be configured not to include the optical lowpass filter (LPF) 32 illustrated in FIG. 2 as the first embodiment, andthe dust-proof filter 33 may be configured by using any one ofdust-proof members as the above-described light-transmissive memberssuch as an infrared cut filter, a polarization filter, and a half minor.

Not only the optical low pass filter (LPF) 32 is eliminated from thecamera, but also the cover glass 31 e illustrated in FIG. 2 may be usedas a substitute for the dust-proof filter 33. In this case, the cameramay be configured such that a dust-proof and moisture-proof statesbetween the cover glass 31 e and the CCD chip 31 a are maintained and,as the configuration in which the cover glass 31 e is vibrated whilebeing supported, the configuration in which the dust-proof filter 33illustrated in FIG. 2 is vibrated while being supported may be used.Note that it is needless to say that the cover glass 31 e may beconfigured by using any one of the dust-proof members as theabove-described light-transmissive members such as the infrared cutfilter, the polarization filter, and the half mirror.

Note that, as an imaging apparatus to which the present invention isapplied, description has been made by taking the digital camera as anelectronic image pickup apparatus as an example. However, the presentinvention is not limited to the exemplified digital camera, and can beput into practical use by modifying the digital camera as needed, aslong as the digital camera is an imaging apparatus which needs a dustremoving mechanism. For example, an imaging apparatus having aconfiguration in which the dust-proof mechanism of the present inventionis disposed between a liquid crystal panel of a liquid crystal projectorand a light source can be considered.

The digital camera according to the present invention is capable ofefficiently generating, constantly or in a predetermined time period, atraveling wave having a large vibration amplitude such that no standingwave is included, thereby surely capable of removing the dust and thelike adhered to the light-transmitting portion of the dust-proof member.

In the present invention, it is apparent that various embodiments can bemade in a broad sense based on the present invention without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the present invention. The presentinvention is not limited by a specific embodiment except as by theappended claims.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above,and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist ofthe present invention in implementation of the present invention.Furthermore, the above-described embodiment includes inventions ofvarious stages, and by combining a plurality of constituent componentsdisclosed in the embodiment, inventions of various stages can also beextracted.

The imaging apparatus according to the present invention is capable ofefficiently generating, constantly or in a predetermined time period, atraveling wave which has a large vibration amplitude, such that nostanding wave is included, thereby surely capable of removing the dustand the like adhered to the light-transmitting portion of the dust-proofmember.

1. An imaging apparatus comprising: an image forming element having animage surface on which an optical image is generated; an optical elementincluding a light-transmitting portion through which a subject lightpasses, the light-transmitting portion being disposed so as to face animage surface of the image forming element with a predetermineddistance; a vibration member for vibration application arranged at aposition which is other than a position where the light-transmittingportion of the optical element is arranged, the vibration member forvibration application vibrating not only a surface of the opticalelement but also inside of the optical element; and a vibration memberfor vibration absorption arranged at a position which is other than theposition where the light-transmitting portion of the optical element isarranged and which is opposed to the vibration member for vibrationapplication, the vibration member for vibration absorption absorbing apart of vibration of the optical element in a predetermined cycle,wherein when a wavelength of vibration generated in the optical elementby vibration of the vibration member for vibration application isdefined as λ, and an odd number as k, the vibration member for vibrationapplication and the vibration member for vibration absorption arearranged separately from each other at positions on the surface of theoptical element such that a distance between centers of the members isexpressed by k×λ/4.
 2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the optical element is a plate-shaped dust-proof member and atleast the light-transmitting portion of the optical element has arefractivity different from that of atmosphere.
 3. The imaging apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the optical element is a low pass filter.4. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the vibrationmember for vibration absorption absorbs a component of vibration whosephase is shifted by a phase equivalent to π/2 from the vibration causedby the vibration member for vibration application.
 5. The imagingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the vibration member forvibration application is arranged in proximity to an area of a node ofvibration of the optical element, and the vibration member for vibrationabsorption is arranged in proximity to an area of a loop of vibration ofthe optical element.
 6. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the vibration member for vibration application and the vibrationmember for vibration absorption are piezoelectric bodies which are madeof the same material and have the same shape and arranged on the samesurface of the optical element.
 7. The imaging apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein in order to substantially seal a space portion formedbetween the image surface of the image forming element and the opticalelement which are opposed to each other, a seal structure portion forsealing the space portion is formed on peripheral sides of the imagesurface of the image forming element and the optical element.
 8. Theimaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging apparatus isa digital camera, the optical element is made of a rectangular-shapedmember and arranged in a main body of the digital camera along a surfacewhich is perpendicular to an optical axis direction of the subjectlight, the vibration member for vibration application is arranged alongone end portion on an upper side of the rectangular-shaped opticalelement in the main body of the digital camera, in a photographing statewhere the main body of the digital camera is supported such that theoptical axis is horizontal, and the vibration member for vibrationabsorption is arranged along one end portion on a lower side of therectangular-shaped optical element in the main body of the digitalcamera.
 9. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, furthercomprising a vibration controlling section for controlling the vibrationof the vibration member for vibration application, the vibrationcontrolling section performing control to sequentially apply frequencieseach changed by a predetermined shift amount such that a resonantfrequency at which traveling-wave vibration is generated is set betweena start frequency and a termination frequency.